1929 – Hamilton Tigers 14, Regina Roughriders 3

For the first time in Grey Cup history, the two clubs that played for the trophy the previous year met again in a rematch. It was also the first time a forward pass was permitted in Grey Cup competition.

Weather was a factor as a driving snow and freezing temperatures forced fans to run for shelter prior to the game. Only 100 fans witnessed the opening kickoff. In total, less than 2,000 braved the elements at the Hamilton Amateur Athletic Association Grounds, with a playing surface as hard as pavement.

The Tigers would not dominate the Roughriders as they did the previous year. The first half was a defensive struggle, with Hamilton holding a 2-1 lead at intermission. With a strong gale blowing from one end of the field to the other, each team could not take advantage of their kicking game when playing with the wind.

Regina’s Jersey Jack Campbell made Grey Cup history in the second quarter, throwing the ball downfield for the first time. Hamilton’s Jimmy Simpson knocked the ball down in front of the intended receiver, but rules allowed the ball to still be playable. A mad scramble ensued with the Roughriders recovering the ball.

The Tigers took control of the game in the third quarter, steamrolling their way across the field at will. The Tigers took advantage of a miscue as a Regina player mishandled a Hamilton punt. Simpson retrieved the ball and ran 40 yards for the game’s only touchdown.

Hamilton looked to have scored another major in the final minute of play as Huck Welch threw to a streaking Simpson. He made the catch in Regina territory, ran 10 yards and pitched the ball to Cap Fear who roared toward the end zone. But the play was called back since it was determined that Simpson’s catch was made inside the Regina 25, which was illegal according to the Canadian Rugby Union’s rules.

The referee was knocked out of the game for a short period after running straight into the goal post following a play.

After being shutout in their previous visits to the final, the Roughriders were able to leave Eastern Canada with a moral victory, scoring their first points in a Grey Cup. Sol Bloomfield kicked two rouges, while Jerry Erskine added another.